Damascus: A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over crimes committed during Syria’s nearly 14 year civil war.
The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, marks the first criminal conviction against Assad since his government was overthrown in December 2024. He was convicted of serious crimes including premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary arrests and crimes against humanity.
Assad Living in Russia
- Assad was not present in court for the proceedings. He fled Syria after rebel forces captured Damascus in December 2024, ending his family’s decades long rule over the country.
- He is currently living in exile in Russia, which granted him asylum following his removal from power. Because he is outside Syria, the death sentence cannot be immediately enforced.
His Brother Also Sentenced
- Assad’s younger brother, Maher al-Assad, was also sentenced to death in absentia.
- Former Syrian security official Atef Najib, a cousin of Bashar al-Assad who was associated with the early crackdown in Daraa in 2011, also received a death sentence. Unlike Assad and Maher, Najib was present in court during the proceedings.
Crimes During the Civil War
- The case concerns crimes allegedly committed during the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 following protests against Assad’s government.
- The conflict continued for almost 14 years and resulted in enormous loss of life, mass displacement and widespread destruction. International organisations and investigators have documented allegations of torture, killings, arbitrary detention and other serious abuses during the conflict.
- The Syrian court convicted Assad over crimes against humanity and other serious offences linked to his government’s actions during the war.
A Major Moment for Syria’s Transitional Justice
- The verdict is being presented by Syria’s new authorities as an important step toward holding former regime officials accountable for abuses committed during Assad’s rule.
- However, legal experts have raised questions about how the sentence can actually be enforced while Assad remains in Russia. His extradition would be necessary before any Syrian sentence could be carried out.
- The death sentence also comes amid wider debates over Syria’s transitional justice process and whether former regime officials should face criminal trials for alleged abuses.
Public Reaction
- News of the verdict was met with celebrations in parts of Syria, particularly in Daraa, where the 2011 uprising against Assad’s government began.
- For many Syrians who lost relatives during the conflict, the judgment represents an important symbolic step toward accountability.
- At the same time, the case is likely to attract international attention because Assad remains outside Syria and questions remain over whether Russia would agree to hand him over.
